Advocacy at Work

​Each year the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber is actively involved in lobbying and influencing public policy at all levels of government on behalf of its members. We accomplish this through:

• Letters
• Mailings
• Roundtables
• Policy Report Cards

The Policy Committee is an action-oriented group of local  Chamber member business representatives focused on decreasing barriers and increasing the competitiveness of businesses in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. The committee makes recommendations to the board and chamber staff to set policy and advocacy priorities.

Solutions are researched and written, then presented to the Ontario and Canadian Chamber Networks by local chambers of commerce and boards of trade. Approved policy resolutions become part of the advocacy dialogue for the Ontario and Canadian Chamber policy analysts to take to Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill.

​These resolutions have served to influence government decisions. E.g., our lobbying efforts at City Hall resulted in the Industrial and Commercial Tax Ratios being lowered, a ten-year effort that has local business owners paying significantly less tax than they would have been.

Policy at Work

• Reduction of the tax ratio for
  commercial and industrial
  properties
• Engagement of chamber members
  in solar and energy retrofit
  programs
• Voice of local businesses through
  involvement in official plans,
  Peterborough’s Transportation
  Master Plan, and other planning
  initiatives

• ​Reforms to alcohol production, sales, and service, including expediated approval of seasonal liquor licenses for patios
• Increased fairness in public health restrictions across business sectors
• Reduced barriers to investments in broadband internet backed by a $4 billion investment from the Province to expand internet and cell service
• Access to free rapid testing for local businesses
• Expansion of ability for pharmacists to prescribe and administer medications

• An extension of the CEBA loan repayment deadline
• VIA High Frequency Rail service to Peterborough is now in the procurement process
• Investments in local businesses through the Digital Main Street program
• Financial and expert support through the Canada Digital Adoption Program
•  Improving the regulatory Environment for Natural Health Products
• Supporting International Students Entry to the Canadian Workforce
• Tax Fairness for Healthcare Professionals
• Calling for High Frequency Rail
  
  
  

​ONGOING POLICY WORK AT A GLANCE

​Passenger Rail

​Addressing Barriers to Succession Planning

Return of passenger rail service to Peterborough through VIA Rail for a High Frequency Rail line connecting Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montreal, Trois-Rivières, and Quebec City. Approved Canadian Chamber of Commerce Policy resolution, 2021.

​Leveling the tax playing field to allow for more family run businesses to stay in a family Approved Canadian Chamber of Commerce policy resolution, 2019.

​Tax Rebates for Home Care

Asking to create a home care refundable tax credit of 15% of up to $10,000 in annual retained home care services, for a total maximum benefit of $1,500 and a one-time refundable $10,000 tax credit toward special medical equipment and renovations, including hospital beds and patient lifts. Pending Canadian Chamber of Commerce policy resolution, 2022.

​Maximizing Growth in Built Areas

​Advocating to make it easier to redevelop buildings in historic downtown areas to be homes again. Approved Ontario Chamber of Commerce policy resolution, 2021.

​The Voice of Business is the Peterborough and The Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce’s weekly blog. Find out what is happening at your Chamber through our articles on issues affecting Peterborough and The Kawarthas businesses, member milestones and events.

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